Acknowledgments

I've always imagined that writing a book would be quite the undertaking. And boy, oh boy, was I right. For six months, my life was focused on one thing, and one thing only: Obama Zombies. The bad news was that my social life was shelved. Sigh. The really bad news was that my social life was shelved because of Obama. Double sigh. The good news is that my social life is no longer shelved. Hurrah!

In all seriousness, there are many people that helped make this book a reality. Wynton Hall of Wynton Hall & Co. fame: you've emerged as a trusted mentor, confidant, and friend. You are the best at what you do, the supreme communications counselor and strategist. You answered every literary question I had, even if I called you at 1:00 a.m., with more of a vent than an actual question. And you read and gave counsel on the hundreds of pages I wrote. My sincerest thanks, brother.

My deep gratitude to the team at Threshold: the Executive Vice President and Publisher, Louise Burke; as well as Mary Matalin; and Mitchell Ivers, my trusty editor, who offered indispensible guidance and masterful edits. A special thanks to Anthony Ziccardi, who believed in this project from the very beginning. Thank you for your visionary leadership.

Glenn Hartley and Lynn Chu, I couldn't have asked for better agents. Thank you for being in my corner.

To my colleagues at Young America's Foundation, America's campuses are better off today because of your steadfast commitment to introduce young people to real diversity--intellectual diversity. Ron Robinson, you are a strategic genius and a tireless advocate for the conservative cause. I've been blessed to call you boss. Patrick X. Coyle and Roger Custer, you guys run the best student conferences and campus lecture programs in the country. I've been blessed to call you colleagues.

I'm usually asked how a kid who grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and went to college in Rhode Island found his way to Washington, D.C. . . . and as a conservative, no less! Liberals, for that, you have my awesomely awesome parents to thank. Their financial sacrifice allowed me to dodge that institution that normally ruins adolescents and fries brain cells: public school. To my dad, Joseph, you've been the ideal father. You've been the most supportive person in my life, always there for me when I needed direction and advice. I will always remember when you ignited my intellectual curiosity on those road trips to basketball camp. To my mom, Joyce, your work ethic and passion have always been a source of inspiration. Thank you.

To the Meeks household, you'll always be family. It was Cindy who assured that my nightly dinners didn't consist of just Cheerios and pancakes. My stomach thanks you! And it was Daris who offered me blunt feedback on everything in life and a constant stream of unforgettable jokes.

Alyssa Cordova, yes, you were a great intern (non-Clintonesque, people!), but you've turned out to be an even better friend. A. J. Rice, you're one of the most creative and talented individuals I know. Thanks for your insights and support.

Jedediah Jones, it's been many years since our days at Roger Williams University. I will never forget your constant encouragement and mentorship. To June Speakman, one of the few "tolerant" professors on campus. Thanks for sticking by this troublemaker!

As a young professional, I've been humbled to have the support of political heavyweights. Michelle Malkin, thank you for allowing me to contribute to your inestimable crew over at HotAir .com. It's been an honor to work with you. To Ann Coulter, thank you for your early backing of Obama Zombies, and for your always making yourself available for my questions. To Andrew Breitbart, thank you for your wise counsel and friendship.

I also want to thank all the great radio hosts who, over the years, have been kind enough to invite me on their shows to blabber about my views or who have featured my work, including: El Rushbo, Sean Hannity, Mark "the Great One" Levin, Glenn Beck, Laura Ingraham, Jerry Doyle, Mike Gallagher, Roger Hedgecock, Rick Roberts, and Monica Crowley. Your courage and unapologetic defense of liberty and freedom has been contagious. I'd also like to thank Thomas Sowell, whose books have contributed enormously to the development of my worldview. Thank you, sir, for your intellectual leadership.

To God, the giver of life and the savior of mankind: I have not earned Your grace, but You've bestowed it upon me nonetheless.

Lastly, I must thank all you Zombies out there who allowed this project to become a reality. If it weren't for your multiple and public O-gasms, your undue trust in Washington bureaucrats, and your inability to think critically, I would've never landed my first book deal. For this, I do hope His Holiness Barack Hussein Obama visits you in a dream, and gives you the mother of all O-gasms.

Peace and love,

Jason Mattera